BankAtlantic’s Community Bulletin Board: Fireworks Safety Tips for the Fourth of July

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. – June 30, 2010 – BankAtlantic, Florida’s Most Convenient Bank, announced its Community Bulletin Board: Fireworks Safety Tips for the Fourth of July.

“Fireworks help bring together friends, family and neighbors during the 4th of July celebrations. However, few people understand the dangers and associated risks of consumer fireworks. With a spotlight on safety, we can make this a great and safe Fourth of July celebration for everyone in our community,” commented Jarett Levan, CEO of BankAtlantic.

Each July Fourth, thousands of people are injured while using consumer fireworks and the risk for children ages 5-9 or 10-14 are two-and-a-half times as high as for the general population.

Here is a checklist of some of the things you can do to help be safe:

  • ___ Obey the local laws and use common sense.
  • ___ A responsible adult should supervise all fireworks usage.
  • ___ Purchase fireworks only from reputable established dealers. Legal fireworks are tested as to quality and safety. Never attempt to build your own fireworks or use illegal explosives.
  • ___ Read the fireworks instructions and follow them.
  • ___ If an item looks damaged, do not attempt to use it.
  • ___ Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Do not handle fireworks after consuming alcohol beverages.
  • ___ Never give fireworks to small children. Youngsters should watch, but not handle fireworks.
  • ___ Fireworks are meant to be used one at a time and only outdoors.
  • ___ Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
  • ___ Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
  • ___ The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
  • ___ Fireworks should never be pointed or thrown at anyone. Make sure people, animals, houses and vehicles are a safe distance away fireworks being set off.
  • ___ Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
  • ___ Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.

BankAtlantic’s Community Bulletin Board: Fireworks Safety Tips for the Fourth of July is a good start. However, for more complete safety information, please contact your local community Fire Department or the National Council on Fireworks Safety, 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20006, (202) 349 7127, or visit http://www.fireworksafety.com.

About BankAtlantic: BankAtlantic, “Florida’s Most Convenient Bank”, is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida. Via its broad network of community branches, online banking division - BankAtlantic.com , and conveniently located ATMs, BankAtlantic provides a full line of personal, small business and commercial banking products and services. BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week with extended weekday hours, Free Online Banking & Bill Pay, a 7-Day Customer Service Center and Change Exchange coin counters. BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: BBX) is a bank holding company and the parent company of BankAtlantic.

BankAtlantic Contact Info:
Media Relations: Sharon Lyn Telephone: 954-940-6383 Fax: 954-940-5320
Email: CorpComm@BankAtlanticBancorp.com

BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. Contact Info:
Leo Hinkley, Media and Investor Relations Officer Telephone: (954) 940-5300
Email: InvestorRelations@BankAtlanticBancorp.com

 

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The matters discussed herein are meant as a public service reminder and a general summary of fireworks safety suggestions, are not exclusive, and should not be considered an all inclusive or complete list of steps, procedures, items, suggestions or ideas related to or needed towards safe fireworks usage. You should seek the advice of a professional and utilize the recommendations of the authorities which includes but is not limited to your local Fire Department, and organizations similar to the National Council on Fireworks Safety. Actual standards of fireworks safety, the results or professional recommendations could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the statements contained herein, and the Company cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive.

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